Johnson & Johnson MedTech Enters Next Growth Phase with Focus on Robotics, Cardiovascular Innovation, and Portfolio Optimization

CEO of Johnson & Johnson Medical TechnologyTim Schmid atDiscussion in the DeviceTalks West Thematic InterviewJohnson & Johnson Medical Technology Next Phase Topic. ItsRepresents the company is entering the next stage of growth,More focused on surgical robotics, cardiovascular technology, and targeted portfolio management.。

Johnson & Johnson Medical Technologies reported revenue of approximately $8.4 billion last quarter, a year-on-year increase of 5.6%, mainly driven by strong performance in cardiovascular technology and steady growth in wound closure, surgical instruments, and vision care.

"We never take such significant decisions lightly, especially considering the many patients who depend on us, the doctors who rely on our technology in the orthopedics field, and the 15,000 highly dedicated employees working in this business unit. But ultimately, it comes down to portfolio management. Our responsibility is to ensure we continuously optimize our portfolio to create value for stakeholders. Over the past few years, we have been working hard to shift our portfolio from low-growth markets to high-growth markets."

---Tim Schmid

Advancements in Robotic Technology: Ottava and Monarch

Johnson & Johnson's plan is "on the machine"Comprehensive victory in the robotics field," and outlined a multi-platform strategy including Ottava and Monarch. The company recently invested in a Chinese robotics company (Rui Long Surgical) to advance a "cart-based" system customized for regional surgical needs.

Double the Investment in Robots

"This absolutely does not mean that we are underinvesting; in fact, it is further proof that we are doubling down on our commitment to winning in the surgical robotics space across all markets."

Monarch

Monarch"It is an incredible technology" that meets a significant unmet need in the diagnosis of lung cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally.MonarchEnables doctors to navigate robotic bronchoscopes through the airways using a handheld controller, reaching deep areas of the lungs that traditional tools cannot access. The device aims to enhance the precision and consistency of biopsies, thereby determining early treatment options.

"For lung cancer, it is crucial to ensure patients receive a diagnosis as soon as possible because earlier diagnosis can be a game-changer in terms of mortality and survival benefits. This technology allows us to navigate bronchoscopically through the throat into… the deep and branching areas of the lungs, places most devices could never reach, enabling biopsies and determining treatment options for the patient."

Johnson & Johnson received 510(k) clearance earlier this year for its AI-enhanced feature named Quest, which boosts the navigation and imaging capabilities of the Monarch platform. The company also plans to expand the applications of Monarch toNeurologyAndField of Urology, the future application goal is to treat kidney stones."

Ottava

Ottava remains the cornerstone of Johnson & Johnson's digital surgery strategy. Ottava has received FDA approval for IDE studies and completed its first clinical use cases in 2025.OttavaIntegrating four robotic arms directly into the electric operating table aims to reduce the space occupied in the operating room and improve workflow efficiency.

"We believe that in the long run, the winner in the field of surgical robotics will not be the robot itself. Everything will be about data—how to collect it and use it to provide better insights for doctors and medical professionals in the operating room."

Johnson & Johnson Plans to Submit Regulatory Application in 2026 as Part of a Multi-Year Effort to Build a Unified Digital Surgical Ecosystem, Which Will Integrate Ethicon Devices, Advanced Visualization, and Data Analytics. Schmeid stated that robotics will continue to be a long-term strategic focus for Johnson & Johnson as it aims to complement the company’s existing surgical portfolio rather than replace it.

Realigning the Product Portfolio

Currently, cardiovascular technology continues to lead growth, thanks to the acquisitions of Abiomed and Shockwave Medical, which have expanded Johnson & Johnson's influence in the fields of cardiac rehabilitation and coronary treatment.

"We have made a unique decision that we will play a more important role in the cardiovascular field. These are the patients with the most critical conditions. They are also the patients who place the greatest burden on healthcare systems worldwide."

R&D InvestmentEntry

Johnson & Johnson Medical Technologies invested approximately $3.7 billion in R&D last year and has spent over $30 billion on acquisitions in the past six years, including the deals for Abiomed and Shockwave. Through its venture capital arm JJDC, the company continues to support early-stage technologies in robotics, imaging, and cardiovascular care.

"We have acquired a company in the field of left atrial appendage closure. We will integrate it closely with our electrophysiology business. In the heart failure sector, we acquired a company named V-wave, which has developed this excellent shunt device, and we will incorporate it into our heart failure business. In some cases, we integrate 'acquired companies' into areas where we already have capabilities to leverage their scale and other advantages. We now have the opportunity to further expand in the cardiovascular field."